PARIS, Oct 30 - Nicolas Anelka has had enough of
controversies and feels comfortable at Manchester City but is
not fretting about his chances of a recall from French manager
Raymond Domenech.
"I only want to think about my performances with City on the
pitch," the 25-year-old striker told sports daily l'Equipe on
Saturday.
"Whether I'm eligible to play for France or not is not an
issue."
Kicked out by former France manager Jacques Santini for
turning down selection as a substitute for a friendly against
Yugoslavia two years ago, Anelka has not played for the national
side since April 2002, even though Domenech has made it clear
several times that the door is no longer closed.
"Blacklisted or not, I keep doing my job with City. Now you
can pick on me for my temper, but there is nothing to say
against my football. I'm flawless," he said.
Anelka, however, said he had had no contact with Domenech, a
man he admitted he did not know well.
"I know it's a little tense between him and the players. But
it's not my problem.
"I want to keep doing well with my club. And then, normally,
the best players get selected. But it's up to the manager to
chose."
Anelka could be helped by circumstances.
Thierry Henry is the undisputed number one choice up front
for France, but David Trezeguet will be out of action until
February with a shoulder injury while off-form Peguy Luyindula
and Steve Marlet, as well as Robert Pires and Louis Saha, seem
to be out of favour with Domenech.
"Thierry and I have known each other for 10 years. We get on
really well together. Given the way my game has evolved I think
our partnership could be very good," he said.
"We always wanted to play together, even though it has not
happened to us for a long time."
Anelka, who left Arsenal amidst controversy four seasons
ago, has also obtained the support of Arsenal and France captain
Patrick Vieira for an international recall.
"He's another person who knows me well and does not find me
odd," Anelka said.
Looking for peace after seasons riddled with controversies
and rows with coaches, Anelka said: "I feel well in England and
I want to keep out of trouble."